If you lift regularly, then you’re probably aware of the different types of protein powders available to you. Whey protein powder is definitely the most common, followed closely by whey protein isolate, a more digestible protein. If you’re not familiar with whey isolate, or you’re looking to find the best protein powder for you, it might be worth looking at Sports Research Whey Isolate.
In this Sports Research Whey Protein review, we’ll dive deep into the protein, the company, and the benefits of protein powder. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make the switch to a high-quality protein powder.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Sports Research Is Our Middle Name
The GGR expert testers know fitness: from protein powders and other supplements to home gym equipment to the best weightlifting shoes. Our testers are industry professionals and include personal trainers, Olympic lifters, and nutritionists.
Our experts have tested hundreds of protein powders and put a lot of effort into bringing you honest and comprehensive reviews. You can be sure we aim to recommend the best fitness products on the market.
Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor, CPT, and CNC, tested Sports Research Whey Isolate using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology, rating it on a scale of 1 to 5 across multiple categories, including:
- Taste: a primary driver of preference, high scores go to the best-tasting protein powders
- Value: your budget is important, so affordable pricing per serving earns the highest scores
- Formulation: quality ingredients and transparency earn the highest scores
- Third-Party Testing: high marks go to companies that offer third-party verification of their products and ingredients
Sports Research Whey Isolate
Sports Research Whey Isolate
Product Highlights
- Whey protein isolate
- 25 g of protein per serving
- Available in chocolate or vanilla
- Informed Choice-certified
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Third-party tested
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- Subscribe-and-save options
- Non-GMO, gluten- and soy-free
- Creates a creamy texture when blended into smoothies
Cons
- Only two flavors available
- Our tester had issues with solubility
Bottom Line
Sports Research whey protein isolate has 25 grams of protein per serving and just 150 calories. It's third-party tested, too. Although there are only two flavors available, our testers think it's worth a try.
A Quick Look at Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate
Sports Research has been producing nutraceuticals and dietary supplements for nearly 40 years. They have a host of products across many categories, such as performance supplements like protein, BCAAs, and creatine, as well as wellness products including collagen peptides. They even have fitness equipment. They are committed to grass-fed, non-GMO products and transparency through third-party testing as well as product lot tracking.
Sports Research Whey Isolate is a robust but simple whey protein. It comes in different flavors and sizes and is non-GMO, gluten-free, and Informed Sport-certified. It’s really a decent protein at first glance.
Before You Buy
- This supplement includes 25 g of protein per serving, including 6.5 g of BCAAs and 1,000 mg of leucine.
- You can order it as a one-time purchase or choose the Subscribe and Save option to save 15% on regular deliveries.
- Sports Research Whey Isolate comes in two flavors and four sizes to choose from.
Is Sports Research Whey Protein Worth It?
Sports Research Whey Isolate is a great protein for anyone wanting to try something other than basic whey, and everyone who’s looking for a good source of whey without all the fuss. That said, it may suit some people more than others:
Great for:
- Bodybuilders, powerlifters, and anyone looking for a source of lean, high-quality protein
- People who prefer non-GMO and third-party verified products
- Anyone with gluten sensitivities
Not recommended for:
- Anyone with dairy intolerance
- Anyone bulking or looking for a weight gainer with more calories
- People looking to avoid animal products
RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder
Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price per serving | $1.36 (25 servings) |
| Serving size | 36 g (25 g of protein) |
| Flavors | Creamy Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate |
| Calories per serving | 140 |
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Carbs per serving | 2 g |
| Fat per serving | 3.5 g |
| Sweeteners | Steviol glycosides |
| Third-party tested? | Yes; Informed Sport |
Experience Using Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate
Our tester for Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate was Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor, certified nutrition coach, certified personal trainer, and protein powder connoisseur. He rated this protein a high 4.68 overall, with 5s across nearly every category. He tried the Dutch Chocolate flavor.
Price Per Serving
This protein’s main selling point is its price—at $1.15 per serving, it earned 5 out of 5 stars. For comparison, products with a price under $1.30 per serving will earn 5 stars. Note: This is based on the Amazon price, which can fluctuate often. We’ve seen this protein go as low as $1.07 per serving. But sure enough, the price almost can’t be beat.
Formulation
For formulation, Anthony awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The protein isolate is pure and sourced in the USA, and the ingredient list is very short. However, it does contain artificial sweeteners (as Stevia), so he docked it half a point. There are also no disclaimers pertaining to this ingredient on the website.
Taste and Solubility
Anthony gave the protein 5 out of 5 stars for taste. He was very impressed with the Dutch Chocolate flavor, saying, “This tastes like an instant cocoa powder drink, which is a good thing. I want to have this with marshmallows over an open fire. No protein aftertaste at all, and no upset stomach or bloating either.”
Now that’s saying something! It might even be a nice addition to ice cream for a full-blown protein milkshake.
For solubility, Anthony gave it only 3.5 out of 5 stars. He said this protein doesn’t mix very well and left some large protein clumps in his shaker bottle. However, the stuff that DID dissolve was a good texture and blended well.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
Side Effects
Here, Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate scored another 5 out of 5 stars. Anthony said there was no off-putting aftertaste, nor bloating. This seems to be common among protein isolates as they usually contain less dairy and sweeteners. In fact, a study published in 20191 compared the digestibility of whey isolate to other protein sources and found that whey isolate had the highest digestibility.
While the inclusion of steviol (stevia) may be of some concern as it is known to cause GI distress in some people, it is a highly digestible sweetener that also exhibits anti-diarrheal, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties2.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is important for ensuring transparency. Sports Research earned 5 out of 5 stars because they do third-party testing and participate in Informed Sport certification.
This is especially important for athletes who may undergo banned substance screening for their sport, as well as teenagers or young athletes who are still developing and need to be careful of contaminants that may harm their growth and development.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Teens
Sports Research Whey Isolate vs Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Product Highlights
- High-quality whey protein isolate
- 28 grams of protein per serving
- 15 flavors to choose from
- $1.99 per serving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality protein
- No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives
- Lots of flavors to choose from
- Good customer reviews
- Whey isolate may be easier to digest for some people
- Subscribe and save 10% plus free shipping
Cons
- Price per serving on the high end
- Some reviews complain that it’s too sweet
Bottom Line
Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what's in it, and almost every flavor we've tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it's a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.
Below we’ll compare Sports Research Whey Isolate with another trusted protein—Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate. It’s a close race here as both brands offer quality ingredients and third-party testing. Transparent Labs Whey has slightly more protein per serving with 28 grams instead of the 25 grams that Sports Research Whey includes. Transparent Labs also offers several more flavor options, including some more unique ones like Cinnamon French Toast and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie.
| Sports Research Whey Isolate | Transparent Labs 100% Whey Isolate | |
| Price per serving | $1.36 (25 servings) | $1.99 |
| Serving size | 36 g (25 g of protein) | 34.9 g (28 g of protein) |
| Flavors | Creamy Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate | Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie |
| Calories per serving | 140 | 120 |
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate | Grass fed whey protein isolate |
| Protein per serving | 25 | 28 |
| Carbs per serving | 2 g | 0-2 g (depends on flavor) |
| Fat per serving | 3.5 g | 0-3 g (depends on flavor) |
| Sweeteners | Steviol glycosides | Steviol glycosides |
| Third-party tested? | Yes; Informed Sports | Yes |
Customer Experience
Sports Research has several customer reviews on its site with an average score of 4.8 stars. We’ll discuss this in depth more below, with reviews from different sources.
Sports Research’s priorities are customer satisfaction and transparency. Sports Research pioneered a Track Your Lot feature, which allows buyers to track their product’s lot for ingredient testing and quality.
Ordering Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate
Ordering from Sports Research is a breeze, and made cheaper with their subscription service. Buyers may also make returns within 90 days of purchase. Otherwise, Sports Research has a long list of supplements and products to optimize your protein shake and nutrient and wellness goals.
Customer Reviews
Sports Research boasts a ton of positive reviews on its site, naturally, so we went to Amazon to get a different perspective.
On Amazon, there is an average score of 4.4 from over 900 reviews. Most of the reviews rave about taste, ingredient transparency, and third-party testing. A few reviewers had issues with solubility and digestion.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder On Amazon
Final Verdict of Our Sports Research Whey Protein Review
After all is said and done, Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate is a high-quality protein powder that promotes lean muscle development with its low calories and high protein content. Sports Research also does third-party testing through Informed Sport, so you can be sure they’re using quality ingredients.
If you’re looking for a quality pre-workout, omega-3 softgels, vitamin D, or even electrolytes, Sports Research is a good bet.
- This high-quality, low-calorie, easy-digesting whey protein isolate is ideal for muscle recovery.
- A non-GMO and gluten-free protein is perfect for people looking for minimal artificial ingredients and allergens.
- There are multiple sizes available for all budgets.
Full Rating
Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate
Sports Research whey protein isolate has 25 grams of protein per serving and just 150 calories. It’s third-party tested, too. Although there are only two flavors available, our testers think it’s worth a try.
Product Brand: Sports Research
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 37.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.68
Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate: FAQs
What brand is best for whey protein?
This is entirely subjective. If you’re looking for no-nonsense protein from a brand that prioritizes simple ingredients and third-party testing, Sports Research is a good pick. However, your preferences and goals should dictate the supplements you take. Use our roundup of the best protein powder to help you decide which protein is best for you.
Does whey protein affect sperm count?
A review published in 20193 demonstrated that protein intake among healthy young men does not influence sperm count. However, excessive protein supplementation may adversely impact sperm count among subfertile bodybuilders4. In general, good dietary practices will have beneficial impacts on health and fertility5, although how specific supplements and dosages impact fertility is not certain.
Do doctors recommend whey protein?
The Harvard School of Public Health6 recommends whey protein supplementation for the general population for muscle maintenance, as well as to increase muscle mass. This is especially important for post-menopausal women and seniors who are at risk for sarcopenia, or muscle wasting. Whether you need additional protein depends on your goals and health status.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Calvez, J., Benoit, S., Fleury, L., Khodorova, N., Piedcoq, J., Tomé, D., … & Gaudichon, C. (2019). True ileal protein digestibility of zein and whey protein isolate in healthy humans (OR27-06-19). Current Developments in Nutrition, 3, nzz046-OR27.
- Orellana-Paucar, A. M. (2023). Steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana: An updated overview of their sweetening activity, pharmacological properties, and safety aspects. Molecules, 28(3), 1258.
- Tøttenborg, S. S., Glazer, C. H., Hærvig, K. K., Høyer, B. B., Toft, G., Hougaard, K. S., … & Ramlau-Hansen, C. H. (2020). Semen quality among young healthy men taking protein supplements. Fertility and Sterility, 114(1), 89-96.
- Ketheeswaran, S., Haahr, T., Povlsen, B., Laursen, R., Alsbjerg, B., Elbaek, H., … & Humaidan, P. (2019). Protein supplementation intake for bodybuilding and resistance training may impact sperm quality of subfertile men undergoing fertility treatment: a pilot study. Asian Journal of Andrology, 21(2), 208-211.
- Pecora, G., Sciarra, F., Gangitano, E., & Venneri, M. A. (2023). How Food Choices Impact on Male Fertility. Current Nutrition Reports, 12(4), 864-876.
- Gelsomin, E. (2020, March 9). The scoop on protein powder. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-scoop-on-protein-powder-2020030918986
